In 2010, he was elected as a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He was the Chair of the International Academy of Astronautics SETI Permanent Committee from 2003-2012.[9] He has published four books, nearly 300 popular articles on astronomy, technology, film and television and gives frequent talks to both young and adult audiences.[10]

In the spring of 1988 Seth left Groningen to help his brother, who was then working on image database software in Silicon Valley.[16]

According to his C.V., Shostak has a considerable body of creative writing, mostly for corporate clients. He was also "idea man" behind a plan to build a large space and technology theme park in The Netherlands and also the Air and Space Exhibit at the California Science Center, where he also serves on the board.[17]